St. James Cathedral Basilica

Welcome! We are the Cathedral parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn serving the communities of Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo and Vinegar Hill. 

We are a diverse community who together strive to celebrate our faith through Word, Prayer, Worship, Community and Service.

Hymn Texts for November 29th, 2020


Opening Hymn: People Look East

1. People, look East, the time is near,
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People look East and sing today:
Love the Guest is on the way.

2. Furrows be glad. Though part is bare.
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish
That in the course the flour may flourish.
People look East and sing today:
Love the Rose is on the way.

Offertory Hymn: Wake, O Wake, and Sleep No Longer

1. Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer,
For he who calls you is no stranger:
Awake, God’s own Jerusalem!
Hear, the midnight bells are chiming
The signal for his royal coming:
Let voice to voice announce his name!
We feel the footsteps near,
The Bridegroom at the door—-
Alleluia! The lamps will shine With light divine
Christ the Savior comes to reign.

2. Zion hears the sound of singing;
her heart is thrilled with sudden longing:
She stirs, and wakes, and stands prepared.
Christ her friend, and Lord, and lover,
Her star and sun and strong redeemer—-
At last his mighty voice is heard.
The Son of God has come
To make with us his home
Sing Hosanna!
The fight is won, The feast begun;
We fix our eyes on Christ alone.


Communion Hymn: Creator of the Stars of Night

1. Creator of the stars of night,
Your people’s ever lasting light,
O Christ, Redeemer of us all,
We pray you hear us when we call.

2. In sorrow that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe
You came, O Savior, to set free
Your own in glorious liberty.

Recessional Hymn: Christ is the King!

1. Savior of the Nations, come;
Show the glory of the Son!
Marvel now, O heaven and earth,
That our Lord chose such a birth..

2. Not by human flesh and blood,
By the Spirit of our God
Was the word of God made flesh—
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.